Indians announce plans for second annual Tribe Fest

CLEVELAND -- There is a chance that Progressive Field will be blanketed in snow, but it will be opened for Indians fans for two days in January.

On Wednesday, the Tribe revealed the details for this winter's Tribe Fest, which was held for the first time in Cleveland last offseason. The Indians were overwhelmed by the showing by the home faithful at last winter's event, and the team has made some changes to address the demand and feedback from its fan base.

Tribe Fest will include many of the same features, including opportunities to meet manager Terry Francona and a long list of current and former Indians players. The two-day event running from Jan. 25-26 will have a variety of activities, including autograph sessions, the chance to hit in the batting cages, tour the home clubhouse and take part in question-and-answer sessions with broadcasters, players and others, among other things.

Players tentatively scheduled to attend include Carlos Santana, David Murphy, Mike Aviles, Danny Salazar, Yan Gomes, Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister, as well as prospects Clint Frazier and Trevor Bauer, among others. Indians great Kenny Lofton will be among the team's alumni scheduled to be on hand.

Last winter, the crowds at Tribe Fest led to long waits for autographs and other activities. For this offseason's event, the Indians will open additional areas, including the Kids Clubhouse, 1994 Party Suite and Club Lounge to help accommodate the fans. The Indians have also divided Tribe Fest into three parts, while also altering the structure of the autograph sessions.

Tribe Fest will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET and 4-8 p.m. on Jan. 25, and again from Noon-6 p.m. on Jan. 26. Tickets will go on sale for season-ticket holders beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday and for the general public beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday.

Tickets purchased in advance of Tribe Fest cost $10 for adults, and kids 12 years old or younger are free if reserved with the purchase of at least one adult ticket. Adult tickets will still cost $10 on the day of the event, but there is a limit of two free children's tickets per paying adult, and tickets for kids age 12 and under will cost $5 at the gate.

Due to the excessively long lines experienced at the last Tribe Fest, there will be multiple autograph sessions this time around with a limit of 250 fans per session. While specific players can't be guaranteed, spots in line can be by purchasing an autograph ticket bundled with general admission. Prospect sessions cost $10, Major League player sessions cost $15 and alumni sessions cost $20.

If the autograph sessions are not sold out, the Indians will open up the lines to fans on a first-come, first-serve basis with no guarantees.

During the morning session on Jan. 25, the Indians also plan on unveiling their promotional schedule for the 2014 season. At that time, the Tribe also expects to announce details for next year's Indians Hall of Fame induction.